Independence : CHRISTMAS 2016

MESSAGE FROM MOM

I received the following note from Mom a few days ago. This is her testimony to all of her family. They are her words, but I want to share them with you as if they were mine. I feel the same way.

"This is a time of giving and receiving and being grateful. I have decided that the gift I treasure most did not cost a lot of money—even though Satan tells us that you can buy anything with money. The gift I treasure the most is the gift of my parent’s testimony to me and my brothers. Each Christmas Eve they would share with us the story found in Luke, telling of the reality of Jesus birth. Dad and Mom knew who that Christmas baby was and they loved to share it with us. Looking back, this gift was better than any wrapped present. They had a sure knowledge that Jesus is the son of God and took every opportunity to share that testimony with us. They helped me begin my own testimony. Now I know who that baby was — and who he is now. He is my Savior and Redeemer and yours too. Two thousand years ago, wise men were looking for this Messiah—this Savior. I know that many are still looking for him. My folks helped me find Him."

FHE NATIVITY PROGRAM

Joseph and Mary

Thursday evening we were asked by the Torayas to prepare a lesson for their joint FHE. Remembering the wonderful 'Nativity programs' we always had a Mom's, we decided to see if we could put one on. After a couple of trips to the Salvation Army story we found enough material and Robyn went to work. I think everyone enjoyed it, especially the kids. We hope they remember this experience and it becomes a tradition for them too.

CHRISTMAS EVE NATIVITY PROGRAM

We spent Christmas Eve with James and Kaui and the kids. With a little encouragement from Grandma, we talked the kids into another Nativity program. Might as well use the costumes one more time. We had enough participants for one Joseph, one Mary, one shepard, one angel and one wise man. Kaui is going to keep the costumes for future Christmases. Everyone except 'Joseph' was happy to have their photograph taken. :)

ROBYN'S 'BUTTON' CHRISTMAS CARDS

ZONE CHRISTMAS LUNCH

Robyn decided to go all out and feed the whole zone for Christmas right after our district meeting. She took care of 20 hungry elders and sisters. Since Kelehua was on Christmas break from school, we brought her along to attend the first part of the district meeting and to help prepare the food. Kelehua has always talked about serving a full time mission, but I think seeing how these fine young elders and sisters got along and how they enjoy their mission really has solidified her desire to serve.

Santa's cooks

Our District

White elephant game

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DISNEY AND ZOE

We decided to surprise Disney and Zoe with a surprise birthday party at Fritz's restaurant here in Kansas City a few days before Christmas. Luke and Josh were invited along to help 'fellowship' :)
The kids were enthralled with the toy train that delivered the goodies. It is so much fun to 'spoil' these kids and their family. Disney, Ashli, Zoe and Kener and their mom are so appreciative of anything we do for them.